A merger deal may look terrific on paper, but if the proper groundwork isn’t laid to ease employee concerns over their future, the ultimate combined company could be in for a whole lot of unnecessary grief.
That’s the advice of Sara Cohen, chief people officer at Salesloft, an Atlanta-based company that offers a B2B revenue orchestration platform. Cohen oversees HR and talent functions for global teams, an important component for the company’s expansion after its February 2024 acquisition of Drift, a B2B buyer and seller digital engagement platform.
Cohen shares how acquiring companies can avoid common pitfalls when trying to integrate merged organizations, and other insights to enhance workplace culture from her two-decades-long HR career.
What are the biggest mistakes companies make when acquiring a company from the lens of a chief people officer?
One of the biggest mistakes a company can make is insufficient communications. By the time a company is acquired, extensive work has already taken place, and those involved in the transaction have had time to adjust to the idea.
It’s important to remember that employees also need time and space to process this information as well. Ensuring comprehensive communication—even beyond what may seem adequate—helps employees process the information and prepare for changes that accompany an acquisition and any significant business move.
I’ve found distributing FAQs, hosting “ask me anything” sessions, offering executive office hours and generally making leadership accessible for questions and concerns to be effective in helping employees navigate these changes. This period can be confusing and worrisome for employees. Over-communicating and ensuring that senior leaders are available as resources are vital during an acquisition.
Why is work from home very popular these days? What strategies have you seen that are effective in maintaining a healthy and collaborative culture across global teams?
Work from home has gained popularity because it allows employees to be more active participants in their personal lives. By eliminating commuting time, employees may find themselves with an extra hour or two to spend time with family, pursue a hobby or focus on self-care. While working from home offers many benefits, it’s important to remember that company culture remains crucial, regardless of location.
Maintaining a strong global culture requires clear expectation-setting across the team. Clarity on roles and responsibilities helps prevent confusion and miscommunications. Additionally, making an effort to understand other cultures is invaluable. This includes being aware of different cultural holidays, work styles and business norms.
Be mindful of time zones for setting up meetings and sending emails. Understanding and awareness of diverse cultures across a global business can help you better support your teammates and strengthen the overall culture.
When working remotely and across different cultures, it’s important to remember that everyone is working toward the same goals and mission. Sharing personal updates and celebrating successes are great ways to reinforce company culture, especially in a remote work environment.
What are some HR challenges and opportunities that have emerged in conjunction to digital transformation efforts within the workplace?
While digital transformation and advanced technology have made aspects of work more efficient and accessible, setting boundaries has become challenging. With Zoom, Slack, email and Teams all accessible from our phones, it has become increasingly difficult for employees to disconnect from these after the workday is over. As leaders, we need to set an example by creating healthy boundaries and allowing employees to take the time they need.
Having so many different communication channels can be overwhelming for employees. Identify which channels work best for your teams and focus on those. We’ve also found that implementing “focus days,” days with no meetings, and “rest days,” days where the entire company shuts down, are effective ways to ensure employees get a break from constant communication. Additionally, engagement surveys are valuable tools for gauging employee sentiment and identifying areas for improvement in creating a healthy work environment.
While the benefits of digital transformation can truly enhance business efficiency, it’s crucial to ensure this doesn’t come at the expense of employee health and wellness.
